CalRecycle to clear debris from Oakland estuary

July 5, 2012 12:05:00 PM PDT

OAKLAND, Calif. --

Engineers from CalRecycle toured the Oakland estuary Thursday morning and did not like what they saw.

The state agency plans to clear debris such as abandoned ships out of the water. Officials said the debris causes navigational hazards and releases pollutants. Discarded vessels also cause problems for people who are out trying to enjoy the water through activities like fishing and rowing. Engineers said the problem is more concentrated here than it is in the Delta and the impact here is greater.

"We saw an abandoned tug about 80 to 90 feet underwater, a number of abandoned fishing vessels, marine debris. Just a number of dilapidated structures that are going to have to be removed," Project engineer Todd Thalhamer said.

CalRecycle is teaming with Oakland police on this project. The state has applied for a grant to help cover the $1.3 million cost of the project. Officials hope to start removing debris in January.